Signaling molecules involved in IFN-gamma-inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in the mouse trophoblast

We have previously shown that trophoblast can generate nitric oxide (NO) and express inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Moreover, this production was changed by the presence of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) establishing a relationship between trophoblast inductive response and this proinflammatory cytokine.

As the intracellular signal transduction pathway used by IFN-gamma in target cells is the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and transcription activator (STAT), here we analyzed in the mouse trophoblast the effect of IFN-gamma and staurosporine on mRNA and protein expressions of IFN-gamma signaling molecules correlating them with iNOS expression.

Interferon-gamma induced iNOS expression and upregulated Jaks and Stat1, but not Stat2 transcriptions. The protein distribution matched the mRNA expression pattern. These effects were abrogated when IFN-gamma receptor was blocked by staurosporine.

Due to the biological effects of NO-iNOS generated on induction of apoptosis and inflammatory responses, interaction between iNOS expression and IFN-gamma-mediated signaling is very important for understanding the physiology of trophoblast at the maternal-fetal interface. Our data indicate IFN-gamma acts specifically on trophoblast, regulating the expression of signaling molecules and is fundamental for iNOS expression.